Company Profile:

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities.

Description of Duties:

Senator Kennedy believed that each person possesses the power to effect positive change within his or her community. Through this internship program, the Institute aims to further the Senator’s legacy of service by developing a team of passionate and engaged interns to help advance the mission of the Institute.
Interns work directly with the Institute’s Education and Visitor Experience team, engaging collaboratively with fellow interns as well as with volunteers, part-time, and full-time staff to enhance the visitor experience and communicate the Institute’s mission: The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities.
Intern responsibilities may include:
● Greet visitors and orient them to the Institute
● Act as exhibit interpreters, providing background information and historical detail as reflected in the Institute’s exhibits
● Assist visitors as they interact with the Institute’s exhibits using state-of-the-art digital technology
● Engage visitors in the Institute’s mission
● Help to guide visiting groups - including middle and high school students, university students, government officials, families, tourist groups, and members of the general public - as they experience life as a “Senator-in-Training”
● Support Institute special events and public programs
Intern educational objectives:
● In addition to meeting the responsibilities outlined above, interns will be required to identify specific educational objectives prior to their start date. Once approved by the Institute’s Volunteer and Intern Coordinator, interns will write a formal proposal detailing how they will meet their educational objectives. During this meeting they will set checkpoints to track their progress. Interns are encouraged to use SMART Goals to help write their proposals:
○ Specific – What, exactly, are you hoping to achieve? (Avoid broad, abstract goals such as “become a better communicator”, and aim for specific goals such as “ be able to write clear and concise memos.”
○ Measurable – What criteria will you use to measure your progress?
○ Attainable – Is this goal truly within your reach, given your abilities and time frame?

Required Qualifications:

Relevant experience/education/background:
● Experience in customer service, education, and/or history strongly preferred
● Superior interpersonal skills
● Friendly, upbeat, welcoming attitude
● Flexibility performing various roles
● Outgoing personality, with the ability to interact with a diverse group of visitors
Enthusiasm for/interest in:
● Civic education and civic engagement;
● History;
● Political Science;
● Government;
● Public Policy;
● Museum Studies;
● Digital Media Technology;
● Theater; and/or
● Honoring and furthering the legacy of Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Eligibility / Commitment:
● At least two four (4)-hour volunteer shifts per week are required - including one weekend shift - in addition to initial volunteer orientation and ongoing volunteer training/enrichment sessions
● Should posses willingness to assist, as opportunities arise, in support of the Institute’s special events and public programs
● Intern program dates generally correspond to the academic semester schedule in the fall and spring, with the fall intern program running from late August through mid-December
● Start and end dates may be arranged on an individual basis in accordance with an intern’s particular academic schedule provided said schedule corresponds with the timeframes outlined above

How to Apply Guideline:

Please send resume to:

How to Apply:
● Please send resume and cover letter to intern@emkinstitute.org. Indicate “Intern Application” in the subject line
● Deadline for fall applications is August 22nd. Applications will be accepted thereafter on a case-by-case basis.
● This is an unpaid position and is not eligible for benefits or unemployment compensation.

Equal Opportunity Notification We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Students and alumni will be accepted and assigned to job opportunities and otherwise treated without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability, as well as other classifications protected by applicable state or local laws.